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My hair - a change or not?

Sal

Veteran

I am considering a change with my hair.

I have a good quantity of hair, and it is wavy. My natural colour is dark mousey blonde, and I do have a few grey hairs but not many. My hair is oily and I wash it every second day usually - by the end of the second day it can look a little lank in summer. It is in good condition and whilst it is lightened, this helps keep the oil away. ETA: I have a cowlick that will not sit flat so have to side part.

I am a little on the lazy side but also a little vain. Not a good combo!

What do I want?
- a style that suits my style and personality
- flattering
- modern but does not have to be cutting edge

What don't I want?
- something that I cannot style
- I don't like it too short at the back so the front is too blonde and the back too dark.
- I love pixie styles but they do me few favours.
- I don't think I want to grow it but I would consider a little more length.
- I think I want to stay in the blonde range.

Here are a few pics.

1) Last haircut, styled by hairdresser
2) My hair unstyled, probably brushed (I think)
3) A short style, end of 2010.
4) Different short style, 2011
5) More short hair, 2013 (I am in the middle)
6) Similar to today, 2013
7) More curly and a darker colour, June 2010 (at my 40th party)

I can pin some inspiration styles if that would help.

Thanks for your help.

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36 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

Anonymous

Your current length is the best of them all here, in my opinion. You are lucky to have lots of hair to work with, and you have the face to rock a more dramatic or funkier style if you chose to. Keep the front length on one side (long bangs, I mean) and go a bit asymmetric? I like it with the whiter blonde streaks/highlights....keep that and even ramp that up a bit? I don't know, just thinking aloud here.

And my favourite word is now "whilst". We can't use it here or we are automatically deemed a pompous jerk:)

Sal

Veteran

Haha do Canadian's not use that word Lisa?

Thanks - I am happy to be more edgy but my wavy hair struggles with this, and I am lazy. As in I will read YLF and run out of time to properly style!

carter

Veteran

Well, I've had essentially the same hairstyle since I was 18 (except for one brief unfortunate bob while I was pregnant with my second child), so I am lousy at envisioning new hairstyles;-) With that caveat, I really love 1 and 6. I do understand though that taking the time to style your hair daily is a chore. I can manage blow dry, fluff and spray, but that's it! I'm leaning toward longer for you. I know my hair is so much easier to deal with when it's longer, plus frequent cuts are less mandatory to keep it looking good. I color every 5 weeks, but I only cut every 10. Looking forward to the thoughts of others who more likely know what they're talking about!

Deborah

Veteran

Sally I really like your current style:) The length, the side parting, it's very elegant:) I love how it looks in #1. You also look gorgeous with short hair so that could be an option however I think I would keep it the length it is, and you could go bit asymmetric as Lisa suggests.

Sal

Veteran

I have the same routine as you Carter both with respect to styling, and cut/colour (although usually 6 weeks/12 weeks)

I have had a wide range of cuts and colours from some interesting 1980s ones to extremely blonde in the 90s!!

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Deborah!! Nice to know you like the current one!

I also should have said I have a very strong cowlick that I work with so bangs/fringe is not an option unless it parts.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I am hopeless with hair. No 1 looks best to me but you have great bone structure so they all look good. If you are after a change maybe you could go a little longer in the front on both sides or on one side. So the cut is not as blunt. I also think you could go blonder if you wanted to. Blonde suits you.

Joy

Veteran

I like your current style and color in #1 and also like the shorter style in #4. Either look could accomodate the grey strands whilst not requiring frequent touch ups, I suspect.

Gail

Veteran

I like the current style the best , it looks up to date

JAileen

Veteran

Your current style is best. Change the color if you like, but the length is great right now.

abc

Veteran

I like number 1 best. So it seems most of us agree.

Aida

Veteran

I like your current cut, but also really like the darker/longer locks in #7. The current 'do does look better with that little extra flat iron sleekness to it though. If you're not going to be ironing perhaps get the layers put in a little shorter so they fall similarly to how it would look if you did? I'm not great at straight hair (it's just so weird! ) so I could be way off base.

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Your current length is best. If you really want a change, I suggest you grow it a bit longer, and then opt for a haircut that's a bit longer in the front to frame your face, and a little shorter at the back.

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Cerinda

Veteran

I like #1, too, but love the way your natural waves fall in #4 and #7. I'm wondering how a short-ish fractured bob (longer and more exaggerated than your hair in #4) would suit you. Less styling, probably more product, definitely more frequent cuts. Just a thought. What has your stylist suggested?

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I think it looks fabulous in 1 and 2. For some reason I am really taken w/ 3, 4, and 5. I mean, I kind of gasped at how good that shorter cut looks on you, and how your hair just works so beautifully in that cut--on the beach, no less! So I'm thinking something like Maneera's suggestion, maybe grow it a little longer and get a longer version of that short cut--a medium shag--if you don't want to go back to the exact same cut.

P.S. I can so relate to "a little on the lazy side and also a little vain" and wanting something super easy to style! And with a good amount of wavy hair. You just described me.

Deborah

Veteran

Been thinking more about your hair (as one does) and I wonder about keeping the length but adding some texturising (not so much layers) and playing up the natural waves.

Stephanie

I like Deborah's suggestion. I also have naturally wavy, thick hair and I don't enjoy spending time styling it. Most days I let it air dry (gasp) because I just don't have patience for blow drying. Getting some weight taken out in combination with adding some layers and texture has always worked like a dream for me! It will really enhance your natural waves. I'm with the others, your length looks great right now, so maybe just texturize and thin out a bit for a new fresh look.

krishnidoux

Veteran

I like the longer darker blonde, curlier style; but it shouldn't case you too much fuss in the morning though.

lyn67

Veteran

Your curent cut is stylish and ladylike, but I like the shorter looks 3-4 for a change, they both suit you more then fab! And wow for the cobald dress and the fascinator/hat in nr 6!:-))

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Sally, may I just say that you look great in every one of these photos? Also, seeing these more close up pics, you remind me of my former (and much loved and respected) therapist, one of the most beautiful women in my life, body and spirit.

As to the hair, the texture of yours (and natural colour) sound really, really similar to mine. I also have a similar need for wash-n-wear hair. Like yours, mine can look smooth, thick, and sleek like photo 1 with blow drying or a flat iron -- or beachy/ wavy/ shaggy with layers cut in and no blowdrying. When I've had it longer, I have done as others suggest and had layers cut through to bring up the wave.

None of that helps you decide on a style. I actually think you look fantastic with your hair at the current length, but also agree it is better when blow dried if worn at this length. You also look wonderful with short hair. Like Sharan, I'm taken by how good you look with it in the beach shot!

On the other hand -- I know for me, "longer" short cuts like that can easily feel "no style." You know --- "middle aged woman who doesn't want to be bothered." So I am always worried about falling into that category. (Not saying that is how you look at all -- just saying that is how I often feel with a similar cut and it makes frequent trims super important.)

I guess the core question is whether you'd rather style in the morning most days...or go for more frequent cuts. Once that is settled you can get more specific as to the basic cut. I also think it would be great to ask your stylist -- and if she or he has no opinion, maybe it's time to start looking for women with great hair in your area and asking where they get it done. Sometimes going to a new stylist is the way to get a new look -- a new person may see you differently.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I LOVE the darker hair in #7. Very sultry. Nice pics.

I like the length right now. And what Aida said.

annabelle

Veteran

Hey, Sally. I love you the most with the chin length more-or-less looks, as in 1,2,6 and 7. I think it's the most youthful, which expresses your fun and dynamic personality by having some movement in it. I like you in all the haircolors, when highlighted or not. I hear you about having highlights giving the hair an advantageous texture or wash / no-wash option. So pretty !

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I also LOVE the darker hair in #7 like Angie - I think you should definitely consider that - the length now is good but that color is fab!

rachylou

Veteran

I love #3. I like the short, sassy length on you and the prettiness of letting your waves come out. I think you look fresh and lively. I find the other styles not as uplifting. To be honest, I think they're a pair of Skechers and a fleece away from Invisible Soccer Mom. That is, you have to be more careful about what you wear. Hair is powerful. The right cut and purple tie dye looks good... Maybe you could do something like 3, but with a different fringe/bangs.

Sal

Veteran

Thank you all!

I gained some insights from every comment but won't reply to them individually as it is school holidays here and hectic.

I think I will keep my length now, and talk to my stylist about a few layers for a more shaggy look to encourage my waves. I intend to go shorter again but whilst (haha Lisa) I have the length I may as well enjoy it. As my hair greys up more I intend to have a sassy look but my Dad who is my colouring did not go grey fully until he was 70.

A blonde bob can be a bit of a cliche for my age group, although actually most of my friends don't have this cut, in fact I can't think of any! I think that is partly what I am rebelling against.

Bonnie

Veteran

I also have thick wavy hair cut very like yours is in the first photo. I wash it every few days at night and let it air dry and when I get ready in the morning, I use a flat iron. I've also had my hair highlighted so I use a protective styling mist. It works like a charm and lasts a few days. It took me years to discover that I could do this without damaging my hair. Keeping it cut every few months also seems to help.

Anonymous

I like photo #1 the best, and think that's a great length. You're lucky you can wear your hair that way. Mine flips up in places in spite of all that's holy, so I can't have that type of style.

Anonymous

I like #7, and it looks easy too.
That blue dress is fabulous on you!
I sometimes wonder whether I should do something more adventurous with my hair, especially since joining this board, but I truly enjoy having enough length for a ponytail, so shoulder length it is.

Anonymous

I really like #7 (sexy!), but I agree with Maneera on the cut and am posting a blond version of her pic

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